With a kind smile, warm embrace, and open heart, Lori has selflessly served the Veteran population for over 30 years between Critical Care and Cardiology as an established, professional, and caring clinician. I first encountered Lori after transferring from the SICU to start in the Cardiology Clinic as a new Nurse Practitioner in this role. Lori VERY quickly took me under her wing and helped me to understand advanced Electrophysiology concepts (including pacemakers, atrial fibrillation, and advanced rhythm disturbances) while helping me to set into a new outpatient clinic role. Without a missed step, Lori could balance the multitude of questions I would have while tending to her gazillion phone calls, notifications, and pending pacemaker appointments. Without her presence in the Cardiology Nurse Practitioner office, I honestly feel my transition would not have been nearly as smooth as it was, and I would not be as strong of a Cardiology Provider as I am now. 

Integrity: Lori is a trusted care partner within our VA facility and is consistently sought out for her clinical expertise and dynamic networking capabilities. She is a constant go-getter who will not stop to ensure that the veterans have all of the care essentials needed for a successful collaborative practice agreement. The patients I see in General Cardiology consistently reference Lori as an esteemed provider who they feel they can reach out to with any question about their cardiac health, specifically one stating, “That Lori Harvey is one damn good Cardiology Provider!” Her patients and peers trust her clinical expertise and professional guidance. 

Advocacy: On countless occasions, I have seen Lori forgo a break, have lunch, or stay late to ensure that her patients are cared for to the best of her abilities. She tirelessly spends hours on the phone with other agencies, providers, and patients discussing pacemaker modalities and medication therapies to ensure the most current/evidence-based are established. Additionally, as a practicing clinician, she serves as an advocate of health for her population, ensuring the Electrophysiology and Cardiology teams are aware of any subtle changes regarding volume status or rhythm changes that may be life-threatening. Lori’s attention to detail, along with her impeccable work ethic, assures her patients that they are cared for by one of our finest providers. 

Respect: When I walk by the pacemaker clinic room, I typically see Lori warmly embracing her patients while, through her genuine smile, paying ultimate respect for the service her Veteran patients gave to our country. Lori has the utmost reverence for all Veterans regardless of service-connectedness, existing disabilities, or complicated pasts, as she treats everyone with dignity and respect. 

Excellence: This is where Lori is exceptional! Excellence in all we do is one of the core values of the US Air Force. As a Veteran, I can honestly say I see this trait in Lori—excellence in her professional practice, presence, demeanor, and accountability. I come from a community of military professionals who exemplify what it means to be excellent, whether through selfless acts, compassion, or heroism. Lori practices as a compassionate, selfless nurse hero who is not afraid to sacrifice her well-being to ensure her patients are cared for. I have seen this on countless patient encounters or in tireless efforts to establish care within our pacemaker clinic that I honestly cannot name just one standout example. 

As a professional nurse practitioner, I am fortunate to work with a provider as compassionate and skilled as Lori. As a peer, I feel honored to be able to turn my chair toward her and have an expert clinical conversation. As a Veteran, I feel assured that providers like Lori are serving in the VA Health Care system, providing care to our aging, vulnerable Veterans in a manner that is distinguished and fitting of our nation's heroes. From the heavens above to our hospital halls, Lori has touched the lives of many people whose physical and spiritual hearts are healthier and happier because of her tireless devotion. She truly is an embodiment of the ICARE philosophy of care.